Maltipoo
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Maltipoo. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Dental disease | high | Tiny, crowded mouths make periodontal disease the most common health expense. |
| Patellar luxation | high | Both parent breeds are prone to slipping kneecaps; severe grades need surgery. |
| Progressive retinal atrophy | moderate | Poodle ancestry carries PRA; responsible breeders DNA-test parents. |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes disease | moderate | Hip-joint degeneration in young toy dogs; surgically correctable. |
| Portosystemic (liver) shunt | moderate | The Maltese side is overrepresented for congenital liver shunts; screen stunted puppies. |
Pet insurance for a Maltipoo
Insurers price a Maltipoo from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 2 high-risk conditions, led by Dental disease and Patellar luxation. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Maltipoo is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 5–20 lbs and a grooming score of 4/5, the Maltipoo sits well above the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Maltipoo
The Maltipoo pairs the Maltese with a Toy or Miniature Poodle and ranks among the most popular designer hybrids in the United States, though as a hybrid it has no AKC recognition or popularity rank. It is a devoted, portable lap dog that sheds very little, adapts to apartments, and bonds intensely with its person — separation anxiety and alert barking are the common complaints. The coat requires regular brushing and professional clips. Vet costs are usually modest, with dental cleanings and kneecap issues the likeliest expenses across a long lifespan.
Origin: United States
Temperament
Related reading for Maltipoo owners
Maltipoo FAQ
How long do Maltipoos live?
The typical Maltipoo lifespan is 12–16 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Maltipoo?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Maltipoo carries 2 documented high-risk conditions, which is the main reason a Maltipoo policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Maltipoo a good apartment dog?
Yes. With an energy level of 3/5 and a small build, the Maltipoo adapts well to apartment living provided it gets daily walks.
What health problems are Maltipoos prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Dental disease, Patellar luxation, Progressive retinal atrophy. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.